Callum Ponton is a Mebourne-based photographer. He recently posted about the making of an image, and I thought I’d make like a news outlet and syndicate it here, so we could all nerd out together. Because I love a lighting diagram.

Take it away, Callum:

This image is meant to form part of an ongoing project that attempts to explore narratives in music.

This one is based around ‘Black’ by ‘Okkervil River’ off their 2005 album ‘Black Sheep Boy’.
I don’t know when I’ll get to shoot more, or how consistent the series will be, but it’s been nice to finally do this.

One of the things that I really like about this is that I’ve been asked on a number of occasions about how it’s been lit, I like hearing it because to me it’s a question that’s just a step beyond the usual digital pestering that we’ve all fallen into the habit of (what camera, what settings, etc.).

So I thought I would share this set-up diagram:

So there’s 3 flashes that made it into the final image:

1. Key light – Speedlight, higher than subject. Full zoom setting to create circle of light.
2. Background light – Speedlight hidden in tree.
3. Headlights – Speedlight, hand-held on stand.

If I get more time I’d like to try to explain the song and it’s relationship to the image, it’s complicated. For now I’m happy enough that most people don’t get it, I don’t expect them too.

Thanks, Callum! Read more on Mr. Ponton’s blog.